Brace Yourselves.....

Has it really been about two months since I have blogged anything other than an Avery update??

Yes, it appears that it has!

Alright, everyone hold on tight.  Here comes a long overdue (and probably much too wordy) update....

So, here is where we left off:
Avery is 9 months old and just as cute as can be.

Landon is 3 and full of all kinds of busy, loud energy. 

I had intended on writing several posts throughout this several week hiatus, but you get them all in one!

One......decorating for Chirstmas:

After Thanksgiving, we put up our tree, but not just any tree.  We got a REAL tree! 

This is my first real tree ever!

And isn't it a looker?!

Landon spent the first few days sniffing it since it 'melled good.

Also......starting the holiday events.

Off we went to Bentleyville.

Of course, the new feature this year was a Thomas display.

I think someone was pretty excited about it!

Someone else just stayed bundled up tight since it was snowing buckets that night! 

We got home and started plowing out the driveway. 

This is our neighbor's driveway that we took care of as well.

Landon helped!

Avery is a great supervisor.....must take after me!

I am seeing quite a promising future in snow removal for this little fella!

And Bailey......well she just had a grand old time! 

Next.......Preschool fundraiser.

Landon's school had a fundraiser at Barnes and Noble that I worked on.

We spent the WHOLE day at the store promoting and what-not for the event.

I repeat......the WHOLE day.

A Saturday, in fact.

And Landon behaved really well!!!

His favorite part was hearing his teacher read stories.

The kids were supposed to be sitting around her, but Landon wanted a little closer view!

He worked on some crafts too to keep busy and out of trouble! 

In a bit of randomness, I have to share how fun Landon has been lately.

He will curl up and just want to cuddle and hang out one minute.....

And then break into a complete goofball the next!

Here he decided to go with no pants but put on Avery's jacket and the dog's collar......he must have his Daddy's fashion sense! 

So, back to the missing posts.....

Mimi came for a visit before Christmas.

And we went back to Bentleyville to show her around. 

Landon really like roasting the "no-mellows"! 

Even though we had the kids with us, it still seemed almost like a date night!

Landon ran up to see Mrs. Claus while we were waiting to see the Mr.  He was super excited!

Happy faces!

At first, Landon was not going to sit with Santa.  All the hype and excitement and he was just not going to do it once we finally got there.  But.....as soon as I said "Alright, I suppose it will just be Avery's turn"....

......somebody was more than happy to hop on up there!

Next on the blogging agenda.....our visit to Silver Bay.

We headed on up to Silver Bay to meet with Uncle Elzie and Aunt Phyllis.

Avery took to Uncle Elzie right away!

Everytime I took a picture, Landon wanted me to take his so he could look at it!
I loved that I didn't have to sneak up on him or beg him to cooperate for a picture!

Remember how I said Avery and Uncle Elzie hit it off?? 
She spent the entire meal in his lap getting fed like a queen!!

Back at the house after lunch, Landon feasted on cake and ice cream.....

......when mixed with no nap, this is what you will get!

Avery and her new BFF just hung out and was perfectly content.
We contemplated just leaving her there......

And yet another posting......the Hatfield's visit!

Our neighbors from Iowa, and good friends were in town for a family event, so they stayed with us for a couple days.......all 8 of them!

They have a daughter just a few weeks older than Avery...they were quite the pair!

The kids spent plenty of time outside playing in the snow and building forts.

Landon was "hiding"....

Seems like everyone had a good time!

I am telling you what.....if you are looking for cheap entertainment, put 8 kids in a house together and just watch!  It is a hoot!

We are getting closer to being caught up....

Christmas Round 1:

Mimi couldn't stay until Christmas, so we had the first round a bit early.

Avery enjoyed the paper more than the contents!

Landon raked in some pretty awesome toys....as if he was lacking in the toy department!

She has the look of "More clothes?? Where's the paper?"

The boys putting things together.....

Landon's favorite thing?? Thomas the Tank Engine! 

 

After the present-palooza, we had a relaxing evening with a movie and popcorn.
Of course, it was a Thomas movie....what else would have Landon zoned out like that?!

Avery couldn't eat the regular popcorn, but she found out she likes the puffy kind of popcorn!

Apparently she was ready for more present opening!

And finally.....the most recent posting!
The family gingerbread house competition....

Landon and I made this train display that I was sure was a winner...haha!
It sat on our counter for at least two weeks!

We made this creation as our official submission....and yes, I am aware that "rainbow" has a "w" at the end.  I ran out of room.
But not too shabby for a first time gingerbread baker or house maker, if I do say so myself!

So now this is taking up real estate on my counter as well.

And with that, my friends, we are caught up to date on the happenings in the Miller household!

I will be a bit more prompt with the events to come.....

Just for you, Bompa....now you have something worthwhile to check Facebook for...... :)